Airpods Max Lightning Charging Only? Seriously?

[rhyzome]

Is it true that the Airpods Max only charges via Lightning and there is no wireless charging option?

If there is no USBC and no way to wirelessly charge the thing, it might be a dealbreaker for me. I was so happy to see Apple make the Airpods Pro wirelessly charging; I thought they were prioritizing simplifying everyone's mess of cables. It appears I was wrong. ;(

 

[ct2k7]

Correct.

 

[CWallace]

Not surprised it uses Lightning because that is Apple's current standard for charging peripherals - including AirPods and AirPods Pro and the latest Beats models.

Wireless charging would have required a large case and then a charging area on both the case and the earpieces (like on the stems of the AirPods (Pro) which is why I expect why it was not done.

 

[537635]

Not surprised it uses Lightning because that is Apple's current standard for charging peripherals - including AirPods and AirPods Pro and the latest Beats models.

Wireless charging would have required a large case and then a charging area on both the case and the earpieces (like on the stems of the AirPods (Pro) which is why I expect why it was not done.

You are talking about AirPods Pro. OP is talking about AirPods Max.

I am also appalled by them not going USB-C + MagSafe. I loved Lightning, but it's time to move on.

 

[lordhamster]

The lightning port is the least of my "dealbreakers." Frankly I charge my current bose headphones with the stupid micro-usb exactly twice per international trip. The night before I fly out, and the night before I return. I throw a little 6 inch micro-usb to usb-a cable into the case itself. Not a huge deal. Yes, I'd prefer USB-C like on the Sony... but it isn't a showstopper.

That case on the otherhand IS. I like to carabiner my headphones to the outside of my travel backpack... which gets tossed in the overhead for domestic legs and beaten about. I would not feel comfortable leaving my $549 delicate headphones with so little protection. The noise cancellation and sound quality had better be mind-blowing at this pricepoint.

 

[CWallace]

You are talking about AirPods Pro. OP is talking about AirPods Max.

Wireless charging requires an inductive charger like on the iPhone and the Apple Watch. Those use magnets to ensure a proper connection, which could interfere with the driver magnets in the earpieces as that would be the only place with enough surface area for an inductive charging puck to connect to (since you probably would not be able to place your AirPods Max on their side on a charging mat due to needing powerful magnets to ensure it stays connected and does not topple over).

 

[lordhamster]

Wireless charging requires an inductive charger like on the iPhone and the Apple Watch. Those use magnets to ensure a proper connection, which could interfere with the driver magnets in the earpieces as that would be the only place with enough surface area for an inductive charging puck to connect to (since you probably would not be able to place your AirPods Max on their side on a charging mat due to needing powerful magnets to ensure it stays connected and does not topple over).

Presumably they could have used the Apple watch charger and put the charging "target" on top of the band that connects both cups? But would not really make sense to go wireless for the charging on these.

 

[537635]

Wireless charging requires an inductive charger like on the iPhone and the Apple Watch. Those use magnets to ensure a proper connection, which could interfere with the driver magnets in the earpieces as that would be the only place with enough surface area for an inductive charging puck to connect to (since you probably would not be able to place your AirPods Max on their side on a charging mat due to needing powerful magnets to ensure it stays connected and does not topple over).

That makes perfect sense. Thank you.

 

[CWallace]

Presumably they could have used the Apple watch charger and put the charging "target" on top of the band that connects both cups? But would not really make sense to go wireless for the charging on these.

That band is composed of a fabric mesh so it would either require a new headband design, likely solid in nature like the Beats Solo and many others, or they would have to embed an inductive charger in it and make that area out of a different material to deal with the heat.

 

[537635]

I haven't found this answered anywhere:

Can you use Airpods Max WHILE they are charging?

 

[Absrnd]

I haven't found this answered anywhere:

Can you use Airpods Max WHILE they are charging?

Yes

 

[537635]

Yes

Thanks. This was one of the dealbreakers.